University of Bristol - International 2022
Royal Fort Gardens
Life in a leading city
Why Do YOU Love Bristol
A place to call home
University of Bristol Student Stories - 2022
Colourful Bristol Harbourside
Students at Wapping Wharf
Wills Memorial Building
Studying at the Hawthorns
One of Bristol's student residences
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Working at the Engine Shed
Engineering Facilities
The harbourside at night
The University of Bristol is ranked 61st globally and 9th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2023), contributing to its international reputation for world-class education. Around a quarter of the university’s 27,000 students are from outside the UK, and international students are an integral part of Bristol’s global community.
Bristol is ranked joint 7th in the UK for graduate employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Combined with the university’s dedicated careers support, this means students graduate with the confidence, skills and experience they need to succeed in their future career.
The University of Bristol takes great pride in its research, working to provide innovative solutions to some of the toughest issues facing society, from climate change to human rights. The university was ranked in the top five in the UK for research in the Times Higher Education analysis of the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
There is plenty to do away from lectures, too, with an active students’ union running countless clubs and societies. The city of Bristol is regularly named one of the UK’s best cities to live in. With a diverse population, vibrant culture and friendly neighbourhoods, Bristol is a great place to be a student.
2022 81 3
2021 78 14
2020 64
2023 61 1
2022 62 4
2021 58
2023 76 16
2022 92 1
2021 91
This year, Bristol was named one of the world’s most international institutions. The 2022 THE rankings placed the university as the 41st most international in the world.
The university is significantly investing in campus development. Around GBP 700 million has been committed to ambitious projects that will transform Bristol’s campuses, buildings and facilities. Work has now begun on the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. The project will provide teaching, research and innovation space for staff, students and external partners, as well as on-site student accommodation.
Other recent developments include opening the Global Lounge at the heart of campus – a place for all students to connect, learn about other cultures and find out about global opportunities. Regular Global Lounge events allow UK and international students to share experiences, integrate and be inspired to become global citizens.
The University of Bristol is committed to helping talented international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level to finance their studies. In 2022, the university has invested GBP 2 million to help the brightest and best international students come to Bristol.
Bristol's Think Big Scholarships are available to undergraduate and postgraduate students, offering fee waivers of up to GBP 20,000.
The university offers additional awards and scholarships in partnership with national governments, alumni associations and industry partners. In addition to these awards, international students may be eligible for funding from their home country or for studying specific subjects.
There are no limitations on nationality or course for PhD funding, provided the university can offer supervision for the topic being researched. A limited number of studentships are available for each area of study.
The University of Bristol maintains state-of-the-art facilities for students and staff, with continual investments into the institution meaning that students have access to the very best buildings, technology and resources. Purpose-built study centres, expansive IT facilities and 24-hour libraries are available to help students thrive.
The university is home to an extensive range of sports facilities on campus, including a swimming pool, large multipurpose sports hall and well-equipped gym. Near the campus students can also access grass and artificial pitches, an indoor tennis centre and Olympic-level weightlifting facilities.
Students at Bristol can be a part of over 70 different sports clubs at the university, as well as competing in leagues against other institutions. The Performance Sport programme can help student athletes balance success across both sports and academia.
Over 6,500 undergraduate and postgraduate accommodation places are available for students across Bristol’s three university residential villages. Living options for all tastes and lifestyles are available, ranging from modern city-centre residences to Georgian townhouses.
Every university-managed residence provides internet, security and pastoral support for residential life and wellbeing. Most residences have a common room, and many have study rooms, launderette and bike storage. The university also offers help with finding private accommodation in the city.
The main university campus and student residences are linked to the city centre by frequent bus services, and most are within walking distance. Bristol is well-connected to other UK and European cities by train, coach and plane.
A University of Bristol degree is well regarded worldwide, and graduates are highly employable. Bristol ranks 18th in Europe for employer reputation (QS World University Rankings 2022).
The Careers Service at Bristol offers students advice and guidance to help them to get to where they want to be after graduating. The university provides support with CVs, applications and interviews, as well as employer presentations, internship schemes and careers fairs. Students can also work towards the industry-recognised Bristol PLUS Award.
Bristol students can also access MyOpportunities, a portal that empowers students to explore opportunities outside of their formal curriculum. From volunteering to internships abroad to hackathons, this resource offers students a wide range of activities to enhance their university experience.
To help students gain valuable employability skills, many undergraduate courses offer students the option of undertaking a period in industry or studying abroad as part of their degree.
£25,650 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
£23,970 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
£4,773 Living costs
£9,000 To live on campus
The university offers hundreds of courses and programmes across a comprehensive range of subjects. Applicants can choose from a wide range of options:
Programmes and courses are taught across six faculties: Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Life Sciences, Science, and Social Sciences and Law.
The University of Bristol invites applications from the brightest of international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications. Entry requirements vary by course.
The university’s country-specific guidance gives further information on qualification equivalences, scholarships and education representatives in different regions.
Students should apply through UCAS for undergraduate courses, or through the university’s online application system for postgraduate programmes.
International applicants must have a good standard of English to study at Bristol. Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency. Requirements vary, depending on students’ country of origin and chosen course. Applicants are advised to check their course listing for details of specific requirements.
The university runs an International Foundation Programme, made up of both academic and English language preparation, for students who do not have the necessary language requirements for direct entry into undergraduate courses. Bristol also offers pre-sessional courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students to improve their academic English before starting a degree.
The university provides a range of support services to help international students feel part of the community from the moment they arrive in Bristol.
The International Welcome Lounge is a great place to meet other students, and staff can offer support with finding accommodation and opening bank accounts.
The university’s visa team is always on hand to offer support with visa applications and queries, before and after arriving in Bristol.
There is a range of academic support available to international students, including regular additional language development and study skills sessions. Peer support schemes aid learning, with older years facilitating sessions with first years. Most students are allocated an academic personal tutor or supervisor who meets with them regularly to monitor their progress.
At Bristol, there is always someone to talk to. A range of support services, such as Student Wellbeing Advisers, Student Counselling and the Residential Life Service, is available to help students look after their health and wellbeing.
With hundreds of societies and sports clubs, the university’s students’ union provides countless opportunities for students to connect with others from their own countries and around the world. There are activities to suit all interests, as well as cultural societies where students can meet like-minded friends.